USA > Indiana > Grant County > Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana. > Part 73
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Dr. H. C. Haines Mrs Dr HC Haines
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old; Howard C. is spoken of in full in para- graphs which follow.
When Howard C. Haines was quite young his parents removed from Straight- out to Leesburg, Highland county, Ohio, where the embryo physician attended the old style subscription school until eleven years of age, when the family removed to Port- land, Jay county, Indiana, where young Howard C. was again placed in school. After finishing his education, young How- ard C. was for about two years employed as a farmer at the end of which time he began the study of medicine under Dr. Snod- grass, of Marion, Indiana, with whom he re- mained two years and was fully prepared to enter the Marion Physio-Medical College, from which he was graduated two years later, and then took a post-graduate course at one of the medical coleges of Chicago, Illinois. He then entered upon the active practice of his profession at Sycamore, Howard county, Indiana, and from May 20, 1885, until August, 1887, met with a remarkable degree of success, his abilities being recognized from the start. At the date last mentioned he located in the village of Sims, Grant county, Indiana, where his patronage has been of so satisfactory a character that he has since made it his per- manent home, and later became president of the Sims Improvement Company.
May 8, 1888, Dr. Haines was united in marriage with Miss Laura J. Sheron, daugh- ter of William and Adeline (Gifford) Sher- on, who has borne him seven children : Ena, June 3, 1889; Homer Guyld, August 7, 1890; Raymond, November 5, 1893, died in infancy; William Sheron, June 29, 1895, died July 27, 1897; one unnamed, July 26, 35
1899; Adeline and Avaline twins. Adaline died when but three weeks old.
Besides being eminent as a physician Dr. Haines holds a prominent position as a useful and progressive citizen. He was one of the organizers of the Sims Citizens Gas & Oil Company, of which he is the president, and also conducts a livery, which he estab- lished for the accommodation of the public in 1896, and has also been president of the Sims Improvement Company ; he has laid otit ten acres of land in town lots, and like- wise owns ten acres, which he keeps under a high state of cultivation. Socially the Doctor and wife mingle with the select resi- dents of Grant county, and religiously are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also trustee. In politics, the Doctor is a Prohibitionist.
ELMER E. KEEVER.
Elmer E. Keever is a resident of Mon- roe township, Grant county, Indiana, and was born September 26, 1862. He is a scion of one of the prominent pioneer families of the state and is a representative young agri- culturist of this age, whose ability and sound judgment have caused him to be recognized as an authority on subjects of general in- terest to the farmer. His general line of conduct has been such as to inspire confi- (lence and attach to him unswerving friends who take pride in his success in life. His father, Daniel C. Keever, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, is well and widely known throughout Grant county, where he commands the general admiration
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and esteem of the people. Eight sons and one daughter comprised the family, Elmer E. being the youngest.
Mr. Keever remained with his parents, giving them his assistance and what wages he earned until he reached his twenty-second birthday when he started out for himself. He married Miss Nancy Ann Lightle on August 6, 1884, and the young couple be- gan their new life on a farm of forty acres which was given them by his father. This was covered with timber and it was necessary to cut down the trees and clear sufficient space in which to erect their cottage. Then ground was to be gotten ready for cultiva- tion and hard work was necessary. They were frugal and industrious and have ac- cumulated, partly by inheritance and partly by purchase, seventy-four and one-half acres of good land in this township. Their prem- ises show care and thrift in their manage- ment and presents a neat, well kept appear- ance that promises well for the future of this practical and progressive young farmer. He has upon his farm only the best class of animals, his horses being well adapted to the work for which they are designed, while his Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs are the very best breeds.
Mrs. Keever is a daughter of Levi and Keziah (Steele) Lightle, and was born July 14, 1867, in this vicinity, where she has also been brought up to womanhood. Her parents were natives of Ohio, coming to this county many years ago and taking an active part in the development of the country. Their family consisted of eleven children, all of whom are residents of the state at this time. Mrs. Keever is a woman whose superior endowment of head and heart have well fitted her to be the counselor and as-
sistant of her husband, and whose kind and genial disposition have won the strong friendship of all who know her. Her mar- riage with Mr. Keever has been blessed with one son, Bundy, who graduated with the class of 1900, receiving his diploma on March 17. Her home is a model of neatness, due to her personal care, and she is con- sidered one of the best housekeepers in Grant county. She and her husband are members of the Friends church and are also attendants of the Sunday-school, of which he is treasurer. They contribute liberally to each organization, and are stanch advo- cates of the public-school system, believing in employing only the best teachers and in paying them liberal salaries. Indeed, they represent the best element that goes to make up a thriving, progressive community, and are respected by all classes. Especially are they valued in the social circles, and their latch string is always found outside their door. In politics Mr. Keever is a Repub- lican, casting his first presidential vote for "The Plumed Knight," James G. Blaine, whose wise diplomacy did so much for his country.
DR. ORLANDO L. STOUT.
Dr. Orlando L. Stout, whose name in- troduces this biographical review, was born in Grant county, Indiana, December 6. 1853, and is a son of John and Catharine ( Yount ) Stout, whose full review is represented else- where in this book. His early life was spent upon his father's estate, and in the de- velopment of a forest home into one of the most valuable homes in the township of Monroe. His early educational training was obtained in the common schools which
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was supplemented by a course of higher in- struction in the Jonesboro school after which he entered the teachers' preparatory course at the Marion Normal, where he fully prepared for teaching, which he suc- cessfully followed for five terms in Mon- roe and Van Buren townships; but after the fourth term he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. D. Lacy and Dr. Cory, and in 1879 entered the Kentucky School of Medi- cine at Louisville, Kentucky, in the spring of 1880, and there pursued the study of medicine and surgery, graduating there- from June, 1881, in a class of 85.
The Doctor first located in Markle, Indi- ana, where he practiced but six months, buti preferring to be among his old friends, he removed in 1882 to this place, where he has since been in active practice and has acquired for himself an enviable position in the hearts of all. He wedded Miss Frances M. Saxon, October 27, 1882, who was born in Richland township, Grant county, in 1856, and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Dusang) Saxon. She received her education in the common schools of her native county.
To Doctor and Mrs. Stout have been born three children, one of whom is living, Ellis Trent, a bright and interesting boy, who graduated from the Upland Grammar School in the class of 1899, and is now tak- ing a course in the high school department. He is a boy of quick and vigorous intellect and takes especial pride in his work, and will acquit himself honorably and is a credit to his parents.
Mrs. Stout is of that kind and cordial ·disposition, which makes friends where ere she goes as well as making a lovable com- panion and indulgent mother. Socially she
is a member of the Rebecca Lodge, No. 342, at Upland, Indiana.
Doctor Stout in his political sense has chosen the Prohibition party as the one which appeals to his convictions, though the Doctor has never taken a radical stand in the political arena in the latter years of his life.
Socially he is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 482, at Up- land, Indiana, in which he is Master of the Exchequer. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 252, in which he is the pres- ent P. G. He is also identified with a num- ber of the leading medical societies, being a member of the Grant County Medical Society, The Indiana State Medical Society and The American Medical Association, in all of which he is an active and valuable member.
Doctor Stout is a gentleman who has aimed at all times to keep abreast of the times in his profession and his library con- tains many of the most able works on medi- cine and surgery. He is also interested in educational work, being vice-president of the board of trustees of the Taylor Univers . ity and has served four years as school trustee.
He has been successful in life, not only from a professional but as financial stand- point as well, having in his name both city and country property.
Both the Doctor and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church at Upland, where they have many friends and Mrs. Stout is an active worker in the social circles.
Doctor Stout is genial and companion- able, and because kindly disposed toward ali, he holds the respect of the community
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in general. The esteem in which he is held of President Martin Van Buren. He was in the community is inspired not alone by his professional success, but by his upright character and life and record as a good citizen.
George Stout, the grandfather of Dr. O. L. Stout, was a man of splendid physical development and strong endurance, a nec. essary requisite in one who was to brave the hardships of a new country. He was of English extraction but was a native of North Carolina, where he was born Septem- ber 9, 1791. He came with his parents to Ohio two years after that state had been ad- mitted into the Union, settling in Clinton county in 1804. The long, tiresome jour- ney north was made by wagon, but there were no railroads in the state in those days and it was an unusual thing to fly over the ground at the rate of a mile a minute. He was quite a nimrod and many adventures fell to his share while on the chase. He was a good marksman and many the deer he brought down with his rifle. He was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe Lamb, by whom he had ten children, six of whom are yet living, honored and respected citi- zens of their respective homes, viz. : Naomi, a widow residing in Oswego, Kansas; Phoebe, a widow of Fort J -. California : John, father of our subject; Eliza, wife of Thomas Mills, a resident of Kansas; Sarah, a resident of Champaign, Illinois; and George, a carpenter and joiner of Constan- tine, Michigan. He had combined farming and coopering during his residence in Ohio, but in 1836 he loaded his family and house- hold goods in wagons and came to Indiana, locating in this county. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, his deed bearing the signature
an interesting talker and recalled many incidents of the war of 1812 and other im portant events for the edification of his hearers. He was a Whig in his political convictions and both himself and wife were devout Quakers. He died November 13. 1876, in the ripeness of age and the con .. sciousness of a well-spent life. His wife preceded him to her last resting place in 1854, when about fifty-six years old.
John Stout, the father of Doctor Stout, was born January 21, 1825, in Clinton county, Ohio, and was a lad of twelve years when his father located in this state. He is now a venerable gentleman of seventy- five years and has seen a wonderful growth and development in the county since his boyhood. There were no railroads in the county and Marion was then a struggling little hamlet with no thought of ever hav- ing her streets traversed by electric railway or lighted by arc light. Deer. bear and wolves infested the country and at night the latter would come around the dwelling's in droves, making night hideous by their howls. The dwellings were constructed mostly of logs and the schools, where there were any, were of the same material. Prob- ably in no particular has civilization taken a greater stride than in her schools. His first school was in a Quaker church, 20x30, made of logs, and the first school-house in the county was in Monroe township, made from round white oak logs with clapboard roof. A log was left out of each side int which a sash was fitted and panes of glass 8x10 inches were set in in a row to admit the light. The fire place occupied almost the entire end of the building and was made of clay and stones, and the chimney was
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built of sticks and mud. The pupils were seated in a quadrangle, on seats made from splitt saplings hewed smooth, the legs being made of wooden pegs. The desks of the big boys and girls were large, wide slabs supported by wooden pins which were driven in an angle of the walls, and here the older scholars laboriously practiced their writing with quill pens. Steel pens were unknown in those days, the turkey and goose furnishing the quills from which the pens were made and kept in order by the master. The school-master of early times was more proficient in the use of the rod than in the art of pedagogy, believing that to spare the rod was to spoil the child, and he did his best to prevent the spoiling of the child. Monroe township was then un- known, and the first organization and elec- tion of the township was held in his father's log cabin, when the entire voting populationi was fifteen. However, the log cabin and school has turned out some smart men in their time, men of whom all Americans are proud; and the boys who are supplied with brawn and brain and plenty of pluck are bound to get on top by some means, be the path ever so rugged. Mr. Stout, it is need- less to say, is a friend of the public school system and points with pride to the many modern structures that have sprung up ali over the country as if specially inviting the young to come and gain knowledge. He was twenty-four years of age when he started for himself, and the industrious habits formed in early youth and the firni determination to win, were of far more value to him than money alone would have been.
About this time, on October 8, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
Yount, who was born in Bedford county, Pensylvania, July 26, 1824, and to whose wifely care and assistance he owes much of his present prosperity. On August 7, 1894, she quietly dropped to sleep and was gathered in the arms of the Father, there to await the coming of her loved ones. Six children were born to them, six sons, all of whom are living and the pride of their fa- thers heart: Josiah is the eldest and is en- gaged in farming in Pinson, Tennessee, where he is married and has a family of five children. At Fairmount he was a teacher for several years in this county before lo- cating in the south. He is a Republican, and both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church; Dr. Orlando is the second son and his history will bc found on another page; Andrew Y. is the subject of these memoirs ; William E. is en- gaged in husbandry in this township. He is a member of the United Brethren church as is his wife, while fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias_and a Knight of the Maccabees. A Republican in politics he is an ardent advocate of temperance and has latterly been identified with the Prohibition- ists; George H. Stout, the fifth son, was born July 4, 1863, on the old homestead upon which he still resides. He is one of the progressive young farmers of the town -- ship whose energetic and modern methods are doing much to lift the agricultural ele- ment out of the old ruts into a more ele- vated and scientific sphere. He bears a strong physical resemblance to his grand - father, having the same strong, robust frame and large stature. He was the first graduate from District No. 6 in 1882 and later spent one term in the Marion Normal. As an up-to-date farmer he has no superiors
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and his natural admiration of nice, well- kept stock is nourished by the flourishing condition of his own animals. An excellent grade of cattle are found on his premises while the large slick hogs are pedigreed stock.
October 17, 1885, he was united in mat- rimony with Miss Lucy J. Nelson. They have one child, Claude, who will receive every advantage of a good education. He is at present a student in the eighth grade at school and shows a marked aptitude for mathematics and language. Mrs. Stout is a daughter of Martin and Alivia (Coulter ) Nelson and was born in this township Jan . uary 10, 1865.
Mr. Stout is a stanch Republican and heartily endorses the present administration : John W. Stout, youngest son of John Stout. went with Company A, One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment of Indiana, to Cuba dur- ing the Spanish-American war. He pos. sesses unusual business ability and is at present residing in Washington, D. C .. where he has an appointment in the census office.
John Stout and wife began on eighty acres of lanxl which is still included in the homestead, and the little log cabin which was their home and the birthplace of all but the eldest son, is still standing on the prem .. ises. The acreage was increased from time to time until they owned a full quarter of a section of land. This ground was cov- ered with a heavy growth of timber and much of it was swampy, rendering it unfit for tillage in that condition. Hard work was needed to clear off the upper portions and get it ready for cultivation and stout hearts and willing hands promptly took hold and accomplished the task. As the years
passed new improvements were added. the low lands tiled, and to-day it is one of the most beautiful and fertile farms in the county, every foot under high cultivation. When this had been accomplished a modern brick residence was built which is at once convenient, comfortable and tasty. Not con- tent with advancing his own welfare and that of his family he has been ever found ready to aid any worthy cause and three churches received liberal contributions front hum for their building fund. His first presi- dential vote was cast for the Free Soil can - didate, Van Buren, and General John C. Fremont also received his support. Hc was a strong abolitionist and has supported every candidate nominated by the Repub- lican party. He is a man of pure Christian character, a member of the United Brethren church and has a multitude of friends in this vicinity who speak of him with such warm affection and enthusiasm as to convince us that they regard his friendship among their valued possessions.
GEORGE WEISENBURGER.
George Weisenburger, a well-known citizen and a thriving farmer of Sims town- ship, Grant county, Indiana, is a native of Germany and was born at a village known by the name of Newburg. October 6, 1833, where he received a common-school and academic education, finishing his studies at the age of fourteen years. When he quit school he found employment at farming, to which he devoted his attention until twenty years old, and during this period of six years became thoroughly versed and inti-
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mate with the calling. He was possessed of of whom two, John and George, are still 1:ving.
the robust physical attributes and mental acumen for which the natives of Germany are universally credited, and ere he had reached his majority felt himself to be able to make his way through the world, and the sequel will show that he had not over es- timated his mental and physical powers.
1
About 1853, then George Weisenburger came to America to seek his fortune and found his first employment on a canal boat at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and for two years pursued this occupation, saving his salary for the greater part, as his living expenses were comparatively trifling, his board and lodging being had on the boat. He next went to work as a farm hand by the month, for which calling his early experience had fully qualified him, and so continued until his marriage, February 12, 1857, when he found himself able to purchase for himself and bride a farm they could call their own. He lived in Howard county until 1883, since when Grant county has been his home.
To Mr. Weisenburger, by his first mar- riage, were born seven children, viz. : Henry, born August 11, 1858; Mary, March 2, 1861, and married to David Frick; Cather- ine, born September 9, 1863, and married to Garry Hillagoss; Anna, born July 31, 1866, and now the wife of Zenon Heigle- road; Barbara, born February 26, 1869, is the wife of Jesse Heigleroad; George V., born January 6, 1874 ; and John, born Octo- ber 8, 1876. The mother of this family bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Hahn, was called from earth in 1880, and by a second marriage of Mr. Weisenburger to Mrs. Re- becca Seibert, daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Tucker ) House, and widow of John Seibert, there have been born four children,
Mr. Weisenburger and family are mem- bers of the German Reformed church, to the support of which they contribute liberally of their means and to the teachings of which they strictly adhere. In politics Mr. Weisen- burger is a Populist, and a very popular one at that, having been a member of the board of supervisors of Howard county four years.
I. B. OLIVER.
This work would be incomplete without a review of L. B. Oliver's history, as he is one of the leading citizens of Grant coun- ty, Indiana, and has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Monroe township for many years. The Buckeye state claims him as one of her sons, his birth having occurred in Clinton county, that state, on .April 14, 1850. His parents, Abi and Eliza ( Sheffield) Oliver, were na- tives of North Carolina, whence they emi- grated to Ohio. The father was born in April, 1818, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, following that occupation through- out his life. In 1857 he came to this county, purchasing eighty acres of land in Monroe township when the country was new and unbroken. He was inured to hard work and soon had his farm in tillable condition with all the necessary improvements for a comfortable home. He was a Democrat in politics and in religion a member of the United Brethren church. His demise took place March 13. 1893, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years. His wife died in May, 1886, and in her passing away the New
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Light church lost one of its most devout members and earnest workers. Fourteen children blessed the home of this worthy couple, four of whom survive, viz. : Minnie, wife of W. Nelson, a resident of this town- ship: Abraham; L. B .: and Sarah, wife of John R. Lugar, who resides near.
Mr. Oliver, the subject of this biography, was the sixth child of his father's family and obtained a good common-school educa- tion. Finishing the lower grades he entered the Fairmount schools and continued his studies. He then secured a certificate and entered the ranks of pedagogy in Grant and Blackford counties, where he conducted three terms of school. He has the natural in- stinct of a mechanic and learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed for some time. Up to his twenty-first year he had remained at home with his parents, giving to them his time and wages, but when that time had arrived he left the parental roof to carve out an independent career. The foundation with which he started to build was a very small capital, indeed, and the strictest economy and most patient industry were needed to increase this nucleus. Pre- ferring the free and independent life of a farmer he first purchased forty acres of land in Monroe township and it was here he brought his young bride. This was his home for about ten years and was improved and cultivated until it became a remunerative piece of property when it was traded for the property they now occupy. This comprised one hundred acres of fine farm land, which yields an abundant harvest in return for the labor expended on it. Seventy-five addi- tional acres have been added to this, mak- ing in all one hundred and seventy-five acres of as good land as you will find in the state.
The house and outbuildings are neat and commodious, while vines and trees furnish a variety of fruit, but the fact which affords the most perfect satisfaction is this, it is all clear of indebtedness-not a dollar standing against it to loom up at some future time a forbidding spectre.
The political views of Mr. Oliver are well known, as he has supported the Demo- cratic ticket for many years and has been a candidate of his party on the local ticket. In 1882 he served as a delegate to the coun- ty convention, was elected assessor of his township and filled the office most acceptably four years. In 1890 he was complimented with the most important office in the town- ship, that of trustee, and was one of the most efficient and able men ever elected to the office. He gave to the discharge of his duties his most disinterested and careful at- tention with the result that the township money was expended wisely and where it would accomplish the greatest good to the greatest number. School districts Nos. 2 and 4 were provided with neat, comfortable brick buildings, modern throughout and equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances for conducting an up-to-date school.
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